Green Party honours life of dedicated activist

The Green Party today expressed its profound sorrow at the death of Father Terry Dibble who passed away on Easter Sunday and whose funeral is today at St Patricks Cathedral in Auckland.

“Father Terry Dibble was a truly dedicated social justice leader who contributed a lifetime of work for the recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and for the most vulnerable people in our country,” said Catherine Delahunty Green Party MP.

“Terry stood alongside Ngati Whatua ki Orakei throughout the land rights campaign for the return of Takaparawha and was a powerful advocate for Treaty justice in the church and wider communities.

“Terry was also on the front line of the anti-apartheid movement during the Springbok tour, and supported international justice issues such as the struggle for independence in East Timor.”

Terry worked tirelessly with the legendary Betty Wark for the homeless people of Auckland and continued her work with youth justice support projects after her death, added Ms Delahunty.

“Terry was a staunch ally of beneficiary and community groups, such as the Auckland Peoples Centre where he was on the Board for many years, and supported many just causes with his presence and his leadership.

“Several years ago I had the privilege of interviewing Terry about his life and his political vision. I was deeply impressed by his humanity, his analysis and his humility. His true dedication to fairness and equity will be deeply missed in the social justice movements, and his friendship will be missed by many, many people,” said Ms Delahunty.